The Commonwealth Writers' Prize, internationally recognised for its role in celebrating ground-breaking works from both new and established writers, has today revealed the literary icons of tomorrow in the South East Asia and Pacific regional shortlist for the 2011 Prize.
The Commonwealth Writers' Prize, supported by the Macquarie Group Foundation and now in its 25th year, has selected both household names and other emerging stars for the shortlist for Best Book and Best First Book awards. The winners from Africa will go on to compete against writers from across the Commonwealth at the Commonwealth Writers' Prize's final programme to be held at Sydney Writers' Festival from 16-22 May.
Africa Best Book:
- The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna (Sierra Leone)
- Men of the South by Zukiswa Wanner (South Africa)
- The Unseen Leopard by Bridget Pitt (South Africa)
- Oil on Water by Helon Habila (Nigeria)
- Blood at Bay by Sue Rabie (South Africa)
- Banquet at Brabazan by Patricia Schonstein (South Africa)
Africa Best First Book:
- Happiness is a Four Letter Word by Cynthia Jele (South Africa)
- Bitter Leaf by Chioma Okereke (Nigeria)
- The Fossil Artist by Graeme Friedman (South Africa)
- Colour Blind by Uzoma Uponi (Nigeria)
- Voice of America by E. C. Osondu (Nigeria)
- Wall of Days by Alastair Bruce (South Africa)
For the last 25 years the Commonwealth Writers' Prize has played a key role in unearthing international literary names, bringing compelling stories of human experience to a wider audience. Winners of this year's Commonwealth Writers' Prize will follow in the footsteps of the biggest names in fiction, such as Peter Carey, who won the Best First Book award in both 1998 with Jack Maggs, and in 2001 with True History of the Kelly Gang.
The regional winners of the Best Book and Best First Book prizes will be announced on the 3rd March, with the final programme commencing on the 16th May at Sydney Writers' Festival in Australia. This will bring together the finalists from the four different regions of the Commonwealth, and the two overall winners will be announced on the 21st May.
Commonwealth Foundation Director, Dr. Mark Collins, said:
"The Commonwealth Writers' Prize aims to reward the best of Commonwealth fiction written in English and underlines our commitment to promoting cultural exchange and diversity. This year the range of subjects, the breadth of genres and the diversity of writers will bring the very best of Commonwealth literature to new audiences. The support of the Macquarie Group Foundation has seen the Prize gain in international standing and expand its reach. This year we're delighted to be holding our final award programme in Sydney, the home of Macquarie, at Sydney Writers' Festival."
David Clarke, Chairman of the Macquarie Group Foundation, the main supporter of the Prize, added:
"The Macquarie Group Foundation's continuing support of the Commonwealth Writers' Prize in its 25th year is the cornerstone of Macquarie's arts philanthropy. The Prize plays a valuable role in recognising and rewarding diverse literary talents and, in so doing, connects global communities."
More information here.
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